Chelsea have sacked commercial director Damian Willoughby after he sent “inappropriate messages” to a feminine football finance agent.
Willoughby sent improper messages to Catalina Kim earlier than he joined the membership final month.
Kim was concerned with a bid to purchase the West London membership in March.
“Chelsea confirms that it has terminated commercial director Damian Willoughby’s employment with instant impact,” a membership spokesperson mentioned.
“Evidence of inappropriate messages sent by Mr Willoughby, prior to his appointment at Chelsea FC earlier this month, has just lately been offered to and investigated by the membership.
“While they had been sent prior to his employment on the membership, such behaviour runs completely counter to the office setting and company tradition being established by the membership’s new possession.”
Last month Willoughby started a second spell at Stamford Bridge following the membership’s takeover by an funding group led by businessman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Willoughby labored for Chelsea between 2007 and 2010 – and has additionally labored for Manchester City and EA Sports. But he has been sacked lower than a month into the position.
The Telegraph, which first reported the story, mentioned that Kim highlighted the messages to Chelsea’s head of enterprise, Tim Glick, who employed Willoughby.
Kim’s agency C&P Sports Group had been concerned in British property proprietor Nick Candy’s bid to purchase the membership after it was put up for sale by former owner Roman Abramovich earlier this yr.
A Chelsea spokesperson added: “The membership’s homeowners are working tirelessly to set and obtain the best requirements each on and off the pitch, and are decided to set up and nurture a tradition of transparency, accountability, inclusivity, range and alternative.
“The membership is dedicated to creating an setting which embodies these values.”
